MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —The West Virginia University College of Law is again a top 100
law school according to
U.S. News & World Report. In its 2014 Best Graduate Schools guide, the
magazine ranks the College of Law #91—up 10 spots from last year to its highest
ranking yet —out of 148 Top Schools of Law.
“We are very excited about our U.S. News rankings and the national recognition
it gives us,” said
Joyce McConnell, Dean of the College of Law. “It points to the hard work being
done by the faculty and staff to ensure a top-flight legal education for our students
and it reflects the high level of support we receive from our alumni, university
leadership, and the law community.”
U.S. News & World Report collects a number of statistics to compile
its annual rankings, including peer assessment, employment rate, and faculty resources.
This
U.S. News ranking comes at a time when McConnell, who has been dean since
2008, is overseeing an ambitious $25 million building and renovation project at
the law school. She is also implementing a new five-point strategic plan to:
• Engage law students in a rigorous academic environment to become practice-ready
lawyers and leaders;
• Excel in interdisciplinary research, curricular innovation, and technology for
the profession;
• Foster justice, diversity, and an inclusive culture;
• Advance global engagement; and
• Enhance the well-being and quality of life of the people of the state, the country
and the world through innovation, representation, and service.
While acknowledging the value of graduate school rankings like U.S. News & World Report, McConnell points out that they are just one factor prospective students should consider when researching law schools.
“Rankings provide a valuable snapshot,” she said, “but students applying to law school should also consider other factors that could impact their learning experience, such as location, value, and fit. Fortunately, WVU College of Law is well-positioned in these areas. We are the same excellent law school today that we were yesterday.”
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Image source: U.S. News & World Report
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